Gym Dandy

I don't generally watch shows like America's Got Talent, or Little Big Shots, though occasionally I see a video that stands out.  And this is a yowzer.

It's from Little Big Shots, which seems to be about little kids, but this is the opposite, a woman named Johanna who is 91 years old -- and does gymnastics!!!  They've sub-titled this edition, "Forever Young."  That doesn't do it justice.

Now, normally, even at that, I might admired it a lot, but not necessarily even watch.  But given all the time I've spent the last few years at the independent living residence where my folks lived, with most people there generally in their late-80s and 90s -- and some in their 100s -- my perspective on the video and lady is very pronounced.  

People walk very slowly -- very slowly.  A great many use walkers, some motorized carts.  A couple years ago, one of my dad's friends in his late 80s was extremely proud to point out that when he dresses, he's able to put his pants on standing up, without holding on to anything and not loosing his balance.  (This really is impressive.)  My dad was 96 when he passed away, and for his last couple years was able to get around very slowly with a walker, but even that was difficult and tended to be fairly immobile.  (It was less a pure physical issue, but more related to congenital heart disease.  But that's one of the realities many face when hitting their 90s.)

Which is why I don't just link this video merely stands out, but I watch it in near-disbelieving awe.  I particularly like that the director had the good sense to periodically cut to host Steve Harvey for his reaction.  And there's nothing show-biz here, as might be the case when he's reacting to some cute little kids.  No, this is pure reality.  You can see it in his face and eyes, and how he turns to others to respond.  And you know it's his reaction because it's how you most-probably feel.  It's like -- what???!!

I like too that they bring someone out at the end.  I won't give it away, but I was glad to see that the woman, Johanna, immediately recognized the surprise.  And glad to see the person's reaction was just much in awe and said all the right things.